Question 1

What is the difference between a terraced house and a detached house (chalet) with 1 bedroom for rent in Madrid?

Accepted Answer

In the 1-bedroom rental house market in Madrid, terraced houses and detached houses (chalets) are the most common types, although each meets different needs and budgets:
1-bedroom terraced house for rent in Madrid:
1. Property sharing one or two walls with neighbours.
2. Layout spread over 2–3 floors, with a small garden or back patio.
3. Generally more affordable price than an independent detached house.
4. Common in residential developments on the outskirts or in nearby towns.
1-bedroom detached house (chalet) for rent in Madrid:
1. Independent property with no shared walls.
2. Greater privacy, a larger plot, and typically a garden and garage.
3. Higher price due to the larger floor area and privacy.
Other available options:
- 1-bedroom villa for rent in Madrid: similar to a detached house but with a larger floor area, superior amenities, and a more exclusive setting.
- 1-bedroom estate (finca) for rent in Madrid: rural property with land, designed for those seeking complete peace and quiet and a connection with nature.
- 1-bedroom rural house for rent in Madrid: common in villages or inland areas, with traditional architecture and more competitive prices.
For long-term rentals, the terraced house offers the best price-to-space ratio for 1–2 people, while the detached house, villa, or estate provides greater independence and privacy. In private rentals, conditions and furnishings vary considerably between property types — it is worth comparing before deciding.

Question 2

How much does heating cost per month in a 1-bedroom house in Madrid in winter?

Accepted Answer

Heating a one-bedroom rental house in Madrid in winter costs on average between 40 € and 90 € per month, a more modest figure than for larger properties thanks to the smaller floor area to heat.
The most common systems and their approximate costs are:
1. Natural gas: the most widespread in urban areas; 45–90 € per month in winter, 15–35 € in spring and autumn.
2. Electric heating (radiators): 40–80 € per month in winter, 10–25 € in the warmer months; variable cost depending on the contracted tariff.
3. Air-to-air heat pump: 25–55 € per month in winter, 10–20 € in spring and autumn; efficient in mild climates such as the Mediterranean.
4. Aerothermal heating (air-to-water heat pump): 20–45 € per month in winter, 8–18 € for the rest of the year; the most efficient option, common in new-build houses.
5. Wood or pellet: common in 1-bedroom rural houses for rent in Madrid; 20–50 € per month in winter, occasional use in the shoulder seasons.
Impact of the energy efficiency certificate:
- A–B: approx. 15–35 € per month;
- C–D: approx. 35–65 € per month;
- E–G: can exceed 90 € per month in winter.
In privately rented one-bedroom houses in Madrid, the heating system does not always appear in the listing — ask about it before visiting. For long-term contracts, checking the energy efficiency label is still advisable even though the impact is smaller than in larger properties.

Question 3

How much is spent in total on utilities per month in a 1-bedroom house in Madrid?

Accepted Answer

In a one-bedroom rental house in Madrid, utilities are not included in the rent and amount to between 80€ and 180€ extra per month, depending on the heating system and whether the property has a garden or swimming pool. The typical breakdown is: 1. Electricity: 50–90€ per month, based on actual consumption.
2. Gas or heating: 30–60€ per month (more in winter).
3. Water: 15–40€ per month; can rise if there is a garden or swimming pool.
4. Internet: 30–45€ per month. In Spain, utilities are paid based on actual consumption with no fixed advance payments. Before signing a 1-bedroom house rental in Madrid, check which utilities are included in the rent — in privately rented one-bedroom houses in Madrid the conditions vary frequently.

Question 4

What size is a 1-bedroom rental house in Madrid usually?

Accepted Answer

A one-bedroom rental house in Madrid has an average of 85 m², although the size varies depending on the type of property and the area.
Typical layout:
- 1 separate bedroom.
- Living-dining room.
- Kitchen — separate or semi-open depending on the age of the property.
- 1 full bathroom; some houses include an additional toilet.
- Hallway or entrance hall.
Some properties also include:
- Garden or patio — common even in smaller houses, particularly in terraced houses and detached properties.
- Garage or parking space.
- Storage room or utility room.
- Terrace or porch.
Unlike a one-bedroom apartment, a 1-bedroom rental house in Madrid usually offers a greater sense of space thanks to the outdoor areas. Always verify the usable floor area during the viewing — it may differ from the built area indicated in the listing.

Question 5

Are 1-bedroom rental houses in Madrid usually furnished?

Accepted Answer

When renting a one-bedroom house in Madrid, the available options are split between furnished and unfurnished properties. As with the rest of the Spanish market, the predominant option for long-term contracts is an unfurnished or partially furnished house. Fully furnished house: - Bed with base and mattress in the bedroom. - Wardrobes, table, and chairs. - Sofa and dining table in the living room. - Fitted kitchen: fridge, hob, microwave, oven, and washing machine. - In some cases: dishwasher, tumble dryer, or garden furniture. Partially furnished house: - Fixed appliances (fridge, hob, oven). - Built-in wardrobes in the bedroom. - No living room or bedroom furniture. Unfurnished house — common in long-term contracts: - Bathroom and kitchen installations. - No furniture or portable appliances. - Slightly lower rent, but requires an initial investment in furniture of between 800 € and 2,500 €. In privately rented one-bedroom houses in Madrid, the furnishings can vary considerably between listings — always check the detailed inventory before formalising the rental contract for a one-bedroom house in Madrid.

Question 6

What documents are required to rent a 1-bedroom house in Madrid?

Accepted Answer

To formalise the rental of a one-bedroom house in Madrid, you will need to present documentation proving your identity, employment status, and financial solvency. Usual documents: 1. A valid ID (DNI) or foreigner's identification number (NIE) — essential for all signatories.
2. The last 3 payslips or equivalent proof of income.
3. Most recent income tax return (IRPF).
4. Employment contract (permanent or temporary).
5. References from previous rentals (if you have them). Income requirements: - Net income must be between 2.5 and 3 times the monthly rent.
- If there are 2 tenants, the income of both can be combined. If there are multiple occupants: - All adults usually provide their ID (DNI) or NIE.
- It is standard for all of them to appear in the contract or as guarantors.
- If income is not sufficient, a personal guarantor can make up for it. If you are self-employed, landlords usually ask for social security contribution receipts and the quarterly tax return. As this is a more affordably priced property, competition among applicants can be high — having all your documentation ready from the outset gives you a real advantage, as 1-bedroom rental houses in Madrid are rented out within a few days.

Question 7

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in a 1-bedroom rental house in Madrid: the landlord or the tenant?

Accepted Answer

In a 1-bedroom house rental in Madrid, the Urban Leases Act (LAU) determines the division of responsibilities between both parties:
Landlord's responsibilities:
- Structural repairs (roof, façade, foundations).
- Breakdowns of installations not caused by the tenant (boiler, plumbing, electrics).
- Replacement of appliances included in the contract due to natural deterioration.
- Pre-existing infestations or structural damp.
Tenant's responsibilities:
- Minor repairs due to ordinary wear and tear (taps, light bulbs, locks).
- Garden maintenance if stipulated in the contract.
- General cleaning and upkeep of the property.
- Damage caused by misuse or negligence.
- Air conditioning filters and periodic cleaning.
In privately rented one-bedroom houses in Madrid, even though the property is smaller, the division of responsibilities applies in exactly the same way as for larger properties. If the house has a garden or outdoor spaces, it is advisable to specify in writing who is responsible for their maintenance before signing the contract.

Question 8

Who is a one-bedroom rental house in Madrid ideal for?

Accepted Answer

A 1-bedroom rental house in Madrid is suitable for 1–2 people and combines the privacy of an independent property with a manageable size and more contained costs.
Most common profiles:
- 1 person living alone — the most common option; they have their own bedroom, private outdoor spaces, and greater peace and quiet than in an apartment.
- Couple (2 people) — enough space to live comfortably with the added advantage of a private garden or patio.
- Person working remotely — the independence of a house allows the workspace to be better separated from the rest area without the need for a second bedroom.
- Person with a pet — access to a garden or patio makes this one of the most sought-after options for those with animals.
If you are looking for a large garden and complete independence, a 1-bedroom detached house for rent in Madrid offers its own plot and greater distance from neighbours. If you prioritise superior amenities and an exclusive setting, a 1-bedroom villa for rent in Madrid is the most complete option, although also the most expensive.
In practice, 1 person is the most common occupancy. The number of occupants must always be communicated to the landlord, as the contract may include restrictions in this regard.

Question 9

What are the most common hidden costs when renting a 1-bedroom house in Madrid?

Accepted Answer

When renting a one-bedroom house in Madrid, in addition to the rent you should account for between 80€ and 250€ extra per month depending on the characteristics of the property. At the start: 1. Security deposit and additional guarantee: 1–2 months' rent tied up upfront.
2. Setting up utility contracts: 50–150€ per contract. Monthly: 1. Community fees (if applicable): 20–60€ per month.
2. Waste collection tax: 50–200€ per year, sometimes passed on to the tenant.
3. Garden or swimming pool maintenance: 40–100€ per month if not included.
4. Internet: 30–45€ per month if not included.
5. Home insurance: 10–25€ per month (recommended). Unexpected costs: 1. Minor repairs: damage caused by ordinary use is the tenant's responsibility.
2. Property tax (IBI): between 150€ and 600€ per year, occasionally passed on to the tenant if the contract specifies it. In privately rented 1-bedroom houses in Madrid, these conditions depend on each individual contract. Always ask for a full breakdown before committing to signing.

Question 10

How much does it cost to rent a 1-bedroom house in Madrid?

Accepted Answer

Renting a one-bedroom house in Madrid has an average price of 1985 € per month. The most affordable 1-bedroom rental houses in Madrid start from 350 €, while the best located ones or those with a garden and garage can reach 16458 €. The final price depends on the neighbourhood, the size, the condition of the property, and whether it has outdoor spaces. Explore the available options on Rentola to compare one-bedroom rental houses in Madrid and choose the one that best fits your budget.

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